FRC Operator Interface Control Board

Hey everyone!

So I used to be affiliated with FRC 364 - Team Fusion in Gulfport, MS. I am now with FRC 4901 - Garnet Squadron in Columbia, SC.

When I was mentoring 364, I created a control board that allowed for more I/O than the Cypress PSoC board and in a better layout than the PSoC daughter board provided.

They’ve been using it for the past few years and like it as far as I know. I updated the layout, removing some stuff, making it easier for me to assemble, fixing a few small problems, etc…

So here it is, revision 1.1 of my control board.

Top View:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ryannazaretian/FRC-4901-Garnet-Squadron/master/Projects/FRC%20Operator%20Interface%20Control%20Board/frc_control_board_top.png

Bottom View:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ryannazaretian/FRC-4901-Garnet-Squadron/master/Projects/FRC%20Operator%20Interface%20Control%20Board/frc_control_board_bottom.png

It provides (with the provided firmware):

  • 16 analog inputs
  • 16 digital inputs
  • 11 PWM outputs
  • 16 20mA LED outputs

LabVIEW VIs are provided to communicate with the board. The communication between the control board and LabVIEW is error checked using CRC.

It uses the Arduino framework, which makes it easy for you to customize the firmware.

Project files are provided here.
The board can be ordered from DirtyPCBs.com using this link.

At this time, I have no plans to mass produce this board. Most components are surface mount, but I did make most of the discrete components 1206 to make it easier to assemble by hand (versus the 0805 of the previous version).

Also, I have not received this revision of the board yet, so I am unsure if it will have any problems. Given the fact that the first revision worked fine, but had some layout problems that have been addressed, I think it’s a low risk board to order and try yourself.

Also, I’m free to feedback or questions.

Happy build season!

Ryan Nazaretian

Thanks for sharing Ryan.

This design looks interesting. I will share it with our electrical team.